Weld every joint?

admin

I am building my 1st project. A cart for my stick welder. I am using 1.5" angle (1/8"). Do I need to weld everyside of the joints? Inside and outside of the joints. Thx.
Reply:Only need to weld one side of the joint if your weld penetrates through.  If not, weld both sides if you feel you need the full strength of the 1/8" material.  You can help your weld penetrate the joint by fitting and tacking the pieces into position, leaving a 1/16" to 1/8" gap between the pieces.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Not everything needs the crap welded out of it, no, but I do anyway. About the only time I don't is if the bead would be detrimental to the fit up and can't be ground down. That's not an absolute however. Generally speaking.
Reply:Beware.  If you decide to grind for cosmetic reason, then there may not be much weld in the joint, especially if your not sure about penetration.  I would suggest at  least put short welds on the non visible side and full welds on the visible side.  If you are not going to grind the one side should be fine.I bevel 1/8 inch material.  I find it easier to bevel rather than leave a gap, since I can still butt material together and not compensate for a 1/8th inch gap.
Reply:O.K. so I don't have to weld the crap out of my cart lol.
Reply:If the point of the project is practice why not weld all you can on it?
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyNot everything needs the crap welded out of it, no, but I do anyway.
Reply:I was just curious. I actually did weld everything before I posted. Just wanted to know if it was necessary.
Reply:One thing missed here is that it depends on what the joint is doing in the structure.    That being said if you have the welder warmed up and you need the practice go for it.dave